I need to explain the title for non Arabic speakers readers, Assad means lion in Arabic. On Friday, I was talking to a friend and he said that even as a lion you have to play well with all the animals in the forest. I answered: “Or eat them.” Bashar Assad did a little of both. He used his youthful image (45 years old) to play the reformer who would bring change. Of course, he was aiming at gaining the trust of the youth. He also used his family members and allies to spread corruption supported by his secret police hand.
On March 18, I wrote a blog wondering why Syrians are not up in the streets. I did not have a political crystal ball. It was the issue on my mind since January 25 the day of Anger in
Egypt. As I heard any comment about
Egypt, I answered: "Well Syrians have to revolt first". My Syrians friends were assuring me that they love him. That reminds me, maybe I need to have tea and cake and invite them over.
Syria did amend its constitution to elect Young Assad when his father died. That makes Assad the only president in history who used democracy to inherit his presidency.
If there is a competition in Moral Decay and oppression, Assad wins. Not only did the regime spread terror in the heart of its people, the Assad’s regime also used its invisible, yet visible hand in
Lebanon. How can we forget the assassination of Hariri? I am sure that the people of
Lebanon are happy to hear the news in
Syria. Maybe Lebanese will finally get their freedom from any Syrian influence.
Samara
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